No Job Offers? Here’s ALL The Reasons Why – Fix It Now

One of the hardest experiences during your job search is not getting the job you want. Typically, the process involves applying for many roles, possibly in the hundreds and never hearing any feedback on your application. If you’re fortunate enough you might get a rejection email, or you attend an interview only to receive a rejection email despite feeling like the meeting went well.

It’s often very confusing as to why you didn’t get the job – and whilst it's generally easy to get feedback from a recruiter upon request, in most cases it’s impossible as they don’t always respond. The reasons are very generic such as the classic “We thought you were great for the role, but we hired someone with more experience” excuse - which can be disheartening.

Want a deep-dive into why you’re not landing those jobs? Read on to discover the reasons why and what you can do it about it:

1

Your online footprint

Recruiters will look you up online almost guaranteed. If they don’t like what they see, it will most definitely cost you the job.

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Be very mindful before clicking “post”

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We all have opinions and the freedom to share them, but posting malicious content or anything that’s highly offensive can sabotage any chance of gaining a new role.

This also includes venting about a bad day at work – whilst we sometimes feel the need to vent our frustrations, a potential recruiter can see this as a bad personality trait and a threat to the company’s morale.

You have a negative outlook

We understand, it’s tough out there, especially on days where you feel like you just can’t get a job.

Here are common thoughts you might experience with a negative outlook:

“I don’t even think my job applications are being seen”

“How am i meant to even stand out against other candidates?”

“I barely have any experience, who would even hire me?”

“What if they reject me after the interview?”

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Most roles have an application screening system in place, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be contacted. Most of these systems extract keywords that have been implemented for the role, so including the right keywords within your CV can boost your chances.

If you’re particularly concerned – follow up with the hiring manager if it’s possible to do so.

Absolutely every candidate is unique in their own way – because no one thinks the way you do.

To help set you apart from other candidates – think outside the box. Showcase your work online, create a presentation or a blog that the hiring manager can remember you by.

Some requisites on job specs can have you wide-eyed and daunted – but don’t let them put you off. Hiring managers are likely to accept candidates who have only three quarters of the job spec under their belt.

Show you’re mouldable and happy to learn to make up for the shortfall and you’ll be in a hiring manager’s good books.

Everyone fears the rejection after a job interview, but don’t let that stop you from trying after each one you have, as focusing on the fear can hinder your overall interview performance.

If you’re being interviewed for your dream role – give it everything you’ve got!

See every interview as practice to remove the edge off the pressure. Don’t be hard on yourself and seek advice from friends, colleagues and family to help you through it.

Your phone's on silent

Phones are THE most common ways candidates are contacted (with a few emails here and there). Whilst you’re on the job hunt it’s imperative that you keep your phone ready to pick up or respond to a voicemail.

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Keep your ringer on

If you’re in a quiet office environment then obviously that can be difficult to do – having it on a strong vibrate setting that’s enough for you to feel/hear is an alternative way to ensure you pick up the phone asap.

Hiring managers are busy people – not picking up for phone can seriously cost you a job

Answer every call you receive

Seeing the “Private ID” pop-up on your phone screen can be highly off-putting thanks to the numerous spam calls that happen on a daily basis, however during your job search you’re bound to receive calls from hiring managers that often make use of a no-caller ID that needs to be answered.

Pick up your phone wherever you can – if it’s an automated call, hang up!

You weren't qualified enough

Ask yourself – how closely did your background match the requirements for the job? Recruitment is tougher than ever before, so candidates that match the requirements very closely are more likely to get the interview.

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If you’re under qualified...

Explain your how existing skills can apply to the jobs requirements. Go through the job description point by point – anything you fall short for, think of a time where your skills or experiences have closely related to it.

Perhaps part of the job is to train people, but you worry you don’t have any managerial skills – maybe that coaching you do at football practice could easily transfer!

Let your current CV open more doors

There are a number of ways you can help yourself land a job you’re not 100% qualified for. One sure fire way to get invited to an interview is to highlight your most transferrable skills and strengths for the job you’re interested in.

You weren't dressed appropriately

First impressions mean a lot when you go for an interview. If you’re not dressed appropriately or haven’t practiced good hygiene, you could cost yourself the job before you even hit the interview room.

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Dress your age!

Going for an interview and know for sure that the company is fairly relaxed in their dress sense? Ditch the full suit and opt for a suit jacket, casual jeans and a clean, ironed shirt with smart boots and for the ladies - a comfortable dress, skirt or even skinny jeans paired with a loose blazer or blouse can go for miles

A smart/casual look can show off your sense of style and give you character!

Iron your clothes

You’d be surprised how many people skip this – it can make you appear scruffy and unkempt, which is not the impression you want to give

SMOKERS

We get it – smoking can help people calm their nerves before an interview, but nothing is more off-putting than the reek of cigarette smoke. Go in clean and fresh (and easy on the cologne).

You simply weren't prepared enough

Not being prepared can come in many forms. You were either not dressed appropriately or you didn't do your reading. Both are a costly mistake!

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Looking Smart

No matter if it's a casual looking agency, you still need to dress smartly. This means, stick to the professional standard interview gear and you'll be fine.

Prepare Responses

Most questions will be CV based, behavioral and case questions. Don't think about them too much so that you don't sound rehearsed or like a robot. There's a happy medium between thinking of responses and rehearsing them too much.

Your CV makes you seem like an odd ball

You can have a golden CV but a completely irrelevant section talking about your stamp-collecting in your hobbies section. As exciting as this might seem to you, your recruiter might see you as an odd fit for the role

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Keep all of the information on your CV relevant to the job you’re applying for – listing your personal hobbies and interests won’t resonate with any employer and is a waste of CV space.

Don’t include things like your marital status, religious preference or security number

Although this might have been standard protocol in the past, you may well be asked them when filling out an equalities form upon confirmation of employment.

You're not being proactive

You can’t sit back and expect to get a phone call whenever a new role is posted on the job boards. Spending an adequate amount of time per day to apply for new roles – even just one or two a day, can increase your prospects of a new position.

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Do you have the necessary skills for the job you really want? Invest in a course or other ways in which you can increase your skill set

Research roles you’ve had interviews accepted for – go above and beyond and even create a presentation showing what you’ve found out!

Having a proactive personality instead of wallowing and wondering why the offers aren’t reeling in, has been shown to lead to a more successful career outlook.

You don't sell yourself

Selling yourself is imperative when trying to get the job. If you don’t convey your skills, attributes and knowledge in the best way possible then you can be costing yourself the position.

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Be wary of coming across cocky and overly confident. Share your past accomplishments with pride but also be willing to show areas you’d really like to improve on and place emphasis on your personal development.

You convey a sense of entitlement

Bringing in a list of demands to your job interview can make you appear entitled to everything under the sun and ultimately give off the wrong impression.

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Have a general idea of the salary you’re after. It’s also important to keep in mind the kind of benefits you seek within employment at a company but this can be formed into a question e.g. “What employee benefits do you receive after passing the probationary period?”

Be very wary asking about holidays – we get it, you need time to relax, but demanding weeks of holiday can make you come across as hard work and completely off-putting.

You're not that likable

You might be incredibly talented in your line of work; however you need to have a knack for connecting with others in order to get them to like you.

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Be sure to smile – positivity is contagious, just like negativity is. By having a smile when appropriate can make you appear happy and pleased to be within the interview

Don’t brag about your achievements too much and instead show enthusiasm of what the company has achieved already and how you’d like to be part of this success.

Be an active listener – there’s nothing worse than butting in as this just comes across as rude. Take the time to listen to the interviewer and leave your questions for the end (or when they’re appropriate to voice).

You're giving the wrong impression

Your interview is the once chance to impress your potential employer. It can be very easy to give the wrong impression even when you don’t intend to.

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Nerves can really get the better of us during the interview stage – perhaps you choke, feel trapped or your anxiety takes over. Perhaps you’re even asking questions that are outright obvious from doing simple research on the company.

Joking around too much or being sarcastic can make an interviewer feel uncomfortable - some interviewers can be quite humorous in which case you can mirror their character slightly to come across adaptable but if you’re not sure – just remain on your best behaviour

Don’t arrive too late or too early

Arriving 10 minutes before your interview is perfectly acceptable.

Should you find yourself in a position where you’re going to be late without any control – ring your recruiter and let them know of the situation and apologise.

You're qualified, but lack interview skills

Have all the right experience under your belt and you still find you’re getting rejections from hiring managers? If you’ve been on the job hunt for a while it might be worth taking a step back and asking what you might be doing wrong.

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Asking about the salary too soon can make the hiring manager feel like you’re just after the money – leave this until the end of the interview or ask when the subject has been brought up.

Show your personality

Appearing bored or disinterested in your interview can make you appear like you don’t want to work for the company at all. If the role truly isn’t right for you then make this known in order to not waste anyone else’s time.